Reliance Industries Halts Russian Crude Oil Imports at SEZ Refinery, Before Curbs Take Effect

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has stopped using Russian crude at its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat. As per the news reports, the change came into effect on 20 November, well before rules restricting product exports made from Russian oil come into force on January 21, 2026. 

Shift Completed Before Deadline 

RIL said that from December 1, all fuels exported from the SEZ refinery will be made only from non-Russian crude. The company explained that the SEZ unit works as a separate, ring-fenced facility, which keeps its crude imports and processing independent from the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) refinery located at the same site. 

Existing Commitments Being Cleared 

Contracts confirmed before October 22, 2025 are still being fulfilled because shipping arrangements had already been finalised. The last cargo under these agreements was loaded on November 12, 2025. Any shipments arriving after November 20, will not be sent to the SEZ and will instead be processed at the DTA refinery, which is not covered by the same restrictions. 

Context of Global Sanctions 

The update comes just as sanctions announced by the United States are set to apply to Russian suppliers Rosneft and Lukoil from November 21. These 2 companies make up roughly 60-70% of Russian crude imported into India. Tariffs on Indian goods entering the US currently stand at 50%, including a 25% penalty added after India continued purchasing Russian oil. 

Lower Intake of Russian Crude into India 

As per the news reports, Russia’s oil shipments to India have dropped sharply in recent weeks. Crude loadings for India delivery in November stood at 0.98 million barrels per day (bpd), compared with 1.86 million bpd in October, based on data from maritime analytics firm Kpler. At the same time, crude that arrived in India rose 17.39% in November to 1.89 million bpd, as refiners rushed to take deliveries before sanctions took effect. 

India Looks to Other Suppliers 

Supplies from Iraq have increased, with loadings rising 6.65% to 1.02 million bpd in November. Indian refiners are also sourcing more crude from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Brazil, Guyana and the US. This includes a new deal bringing in 2.2 million tonnes of LPG annually from the US. 

Read More: Reliance Launches ‘Waggies’ From ₹199/KG To Expand into India’s Petcare Market! 

Reliance Industries Share Price Performance  

As of November 21, 2025, 11:04 am, Reliance Industries share price was trading at ₹1,545.80, a 0.21% decrease from the previous closing price. 

Conclusion 

Reliance’s decision aligns with shifting crude supply patterns in India, as refiners reduce Russian intake and prepare for rules that limit the use of Russian-origin oil in exported products. 

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